UK government fast tracks HPV vaccine – Irish govt seeks sponsorship

In the category of ‘look what a useless shower of muppets our government are…’ (Large category I know!)

Just before Christmas the UK government announced that they will be fast tracking the roll out of the programme to vaccinate young women between the ages of 12 and 17. The roll out of the programme has been so successful including a 90 percent take up amongst 12 and 13 year olds that the older age groups are now going to be included earlier.

Originally girls aged 16-18 were also to be offered the vaccine in the 2009/10 school year and girls aged 15-17 would be offered the vaccine in 2010/11.

Health minister Dawn Primarolo said: ‘This vaccination programme is about saving lives. It’s great news that more than 70 per cent of 12-13 year old girls have already had their first vaccine doses. I want to thank the local health teams, schools, girls and parents for making this programme such a success.

‘Next year we’ll be investing more money so that Trusts can bring forward their catch-up programmes to cover 13-17 year old girls. This means that girls can be offered protection against cervical cancer earlier.’

They started vaccinating in September and are now so far ahead they are getting the money to go vaccinate the rest sooner!? (UK Departmental press release here)

What’s Mary Harney doing again? Canceling the programme! The UK’s economy is in the pits and they are finding money when it’s needed without a lot of agitation. I wonder if it would be considered unpatriotic to take your daughter to Newry…

However news breaks today that Minister Harney has softened her cough and told the HSE to go ahead with price negotiations with the drug companies on the cost of the vaccine. And she may be open to private sponsorship for the vaccines – Maybelline or Prada or the like Minister?